Ecclesiastes 2:12

English Standard Version

12 So I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly. For what can the man do who comes after the king? Only what has already been done. (Ec 1:9; Ec 1:17; Ec 7:25)

New International Version

12 Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom, and also madness and folly. What more can the king’s successor do than what has already been done?

New International Reader’s Version

12 I decided to think about wisdom. I also thought about foolish pleasure. What more can a new king do? Can he do anything more than others have already done?

King James Version

12 And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.